A lot of double glazing windows come with a guarantee that lasts up to 20 years. If you notice problems, it's worth contacting the company that sold you the windows to inquire about what their policy for repairs is.
In certain cases, fixing your double glazing can be an easy job. Here are the most frequently encountered problems and how to repair them.
Broken Glass
Double pane windows rely on an air-tight seal to keep the inner and outer glass in place. If one of the glass panes cracks it could be extremely difficult to remove the broken piece without damaging the window frame. This kind of damage could also lead to an energy loss and therefore it is crucial to fix the crack fast and correctly.
Fortunately, repairing broken glass in double-glazing windows is a straightforward job that can be accomplished at home with the right tools and materials. To do so, first remove any loose pieces of broken glass from the frame. Wear protective gloves since broken glass may contain hazardous shards. After taking the broken glass off, use a dampened rag with acetone or rubbing alcohol to wash the area around the frame. This will get rid of any adhesive residue.
Remove any remaining glazing points with a putty blade. After all the glazing points are gone and cleaned, you can clean the back of the window frame and the l-shaped area where the window pane meets the frame to ensure that they are free of any hardened glass compound. Finally, prepare to install a new piece of glass by cleaning the old glass and the new frame with the use of a wire brush. After the frame and glass are clean, a small amount of glazier's putty can be applied to the edges of the new glass to hold it in position against the frame and make sure that the gap is sealed between the frames.
Some windows use vinyl, wood or aluminum stops to hold the glass in place instead of the glazier's points. If your double-glazed windows are of this type, use a utility blade to cut through the tape from both sides in order to remove the stop without damaging it. After the stop has been removed then you can apply a strong-hold tape strip to the outside of your new pane of window to stop further damage from occurring.
Leaking Seals
Seals around the frame could be faulty if your double-glazed windows leak. This is a serious issue because it means that all the gas that is thermally insulating is leaking out and windows are losing their efficiency. This can lead you to pay more for heating since your windows are not as efficient as they used to be.
Luckily, there are some warning signs that you can look out for to help prevent a draughty window from developing. If you feel a breeze coming through your windows even though they are closed, the seal may have been damaged and require sealing. There may also be condensation forming on the glass, which is another indication that seals are failing.
To eliminate a draft, simply replace the seals on the frames. This is a complicated task that requires special tools in order to avoid damaging the window glass. It is recommended to contact a professional glazing company to have this work done in order to be able to utilize deglazing tools to take off the old seals without damaging the glass.
In certain cases you may be able to fix your leaky double-glazed windows using a silicone putty to fill the gaps. This isn't a great solution as it does not have a good heat resistance and could leak again in the future. It's worth a try, when there aren't any other options available.
Rubber seals around double-glazed windows can break over time. This could be caused by age, environmental conditions or the way in which your windows are set up. It is important to replace the seals as quickly as you can in order to ensure your double-glazed windows remain the same as they were when they first came out.
A window that is drafty is often the most obvious indication that your double glazing is underperforming. A draught is likely to be felt along the edges of the frame at the point where it joins brickwork or the surrounding wall. This is because the seal failed, allowing air get through. This can result in damp patches appearing on the walls.
Condensation
Double glazing windows are a great choice for homeowners looking to cut energy costs and improve the insulation of their home. Although they are durable and long-lasting, they do require regular maintenance from time to the point.
One common problem that windows with double glazing experience is condensation. It is often the first sign that the window seal has failed. If condensation is not addressed promptly, it can lead to the growth of mould and eventually wood decay.
Condensation usually occurs in the morning when air temperatures are warming and humidity levels are rising that causes water vapour to form on cold surfaces. This includes your windows and isn't something to be concerned about, however it's recommended to clean any visible condensation as soon as you can to stop it from setting in.
However, it's not always the indication of a leaky seal, and there are many other causes why double-glazed windows could be leaking. Over time the seals made of rubber in windows with double glazing may wear out. This can cause them to break, which can depressurise the air gap between your glass panes. If you notice signs of misting or condensation, it is important to get your double-glazed windows repaired immediately.
To repair a double-glazed window with condensation tradesman will take off the affected pane, before placing it back in place and then running hot air over the gap to eliminate any moisture that may still be present. They will then apply a new seal to ensure that the gap is airtight and working in the way it should.
Repairing your double-glazed windows is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new windows. It is also essential to find a reliable tradesperson to do the work. Checkatrade assists you by offering local, vetted, and checked traders with experience in the repair of double glazing. You only need to enter your postcode and select the type of tradesman you are seeking to find a list.
Frame Damage
If you hear crackling sounds or other odd noises emanating from your double glazed windows, it's a sign that one of the seals on your frame has broken down. These seals are there to keep water and cold out of the insulating gap that is between the glass panes. It's essential that you get these repaired as soon as you can to prevent moisture from getting into your home.
Fragments that crack can result from wear and tear or due to collision damage, such as when children or pets play. This is often fixed with a simple repair like using silicone or sanding the area. However, more severe damage may require the insertion of new window frames, which is not something you want to take on your own unless you're an experienced tradesman.
Another common problem with double glazing is that it becomes difficult to open and close. This can be a result of an accumulation of dust or dirt that has gotten stuck in the track or it could indicate that there is a structural issue such as warping of the sash or frame. Depending on the severity, it could be simple to fix with a little of elbow grease and a gentle push.
Moisture that enters through damaged double-glazed windows can cause dampness inside your home and mould and condensation. The warm air inside your home is more likely hold moisture than the cooler air outside, and so it will get trapped on surfaces like windows with single or double glazing that aren't properly sealed.
The good part is that you can repair these issues, and it will often be less expensive than replacing the entire window. Double glazing issues are usually covered by a warranty, usually for a period of 10 to 20 years and some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Be double glazing repairs near me to verify your warranty prior to beginning work. Also, always communicate with your company in writing, either by mail or email, rather than sending a text message. This will make things easier in the event that you need to follow up with them regarding any issues that arise.
